Aksel Kryhlmand
Although Frank’s appointment as Spurs boss was only confirmed days ago, the groundwork for this “dream” transfer had already been laid.
New Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank has barely had time to unpack in North London, but he’s already been handed a transfer gift that aligns perfectly with his tactical ideals, Welsh winger Brennan Johnson.
Signed from Nottingham Forest in a £47.5 million move last summer, Johnson may now find himself flourishing under the very coach who once desperately tried to sign him at Brentford.
From Near-Miss to Match Made in North London
Frank’s admiration for Johnson is no secret. During his Brentford tenure, the Danish tactician saw multiple bids for Johnson rejected, including a club-record £40 million offer.
At the time, Brentford’s persistence revealed just how highly Frank rated the pacey attacker, and now, over a year later, he finally gets to coach the player he once pursued with such intent.
A Deal Done Before Frank’s Arrival
Although Frank’s appointment as Spurs boss was only confirmed days ago, the groundwork for this “dream” transfer had already been laid.
Spurs’ deal for Johnson was struck in 2023, but it now looks tailor-made for the manager’s style. Frank’s time at Brentford was characterised by fast-paced, attacking football with wide players often pivotal, an approach that could unlock Johnson’s next level.
Numbers Suggest Untapped Potential
Johnson endured a mixed debut season at Spurs. Despite finishing as the club’s top scorer with 11 goals in the Premier League (18 in all competitions), he often seemed a peripheral figure in a misfiring team.
Still, his numbers hint at the player Frank believes he can mould, most of his goals came from intelligent positioning rather than solo brilliance, a trait Frank has shown he can refine and elevate.
At Brentford, Bryan Mbeumo thrived on the right wing under Frank’s tutelage. Though Johnson and Mbeumo have different profiles, there are tactical parallels that make the comparison worthwhile. Johnson’s raw pace, timing, and instincts in the box offer the new manager a foundation to build upon.
The Bigger Tactical Puzzle
Frank’s arrival comes with big expectations. Spurs fans are already dreaming of a dynamic forward line that could include new signing Mathys Tel, Johnson, and potentially even Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, whom Tottenham are reportedly pursuing. Johnson’s presence gives Frank a head start, a player he trusts, who fits his system, and who still has room to grow.
Beyond the attacking line, Frank will also need to make key decisions regarding Son Heung-min’s future, the midfield structure, and the potential sale of Cristian Romero, who is being targeted by Atletico Madrid.
But the Johnson puzzle piece, already secured, may prove pivotal as Frank instils his philosophy.
From Hopes to Headlines
Thomas Frank has made no public statements yet, but actions speak louder than words. Even without having made the call himself, the presence of Brennan Johnson in the squad feels like a direct hit on his wishlist.
If Frank can bring the same attacking cohesion to Spurs that he did at Brentford, then Johnson’s best days may be just around the corner, this time, in lilywhite.